Sanma Issue 46: American Lifestyle in Japan

Love, Freedom, And a Touch of Rebellion Consciousness accumulates like a long river of time, filled with starlight, ultimately forming a galaxy. Perhaps it's the passage of time, but I find myself envying those in their rebellious phase, even as I approach 30. This "rebellion" isn't tied to age; it's a state of being. One can be rebellious at 20, uninhibited at 60, and still pursue freedom until their very last moment. This is the collective consciousness I've observed in a certain generation of Japanese people. Recently, I watched two profoundly impactful documentaries. One was "Haruomi Hosono: Composer," a look at the legendary Japanese contemporary musician who constantly smoked and questioned his own existence. The other was the NHK-exclusive "Last Days: Ryuichi Sakamoto's Final Days," documenting the final moments of Professor Ryuichi Sakamoto's life from his sickbed. These two musical virtuosos, masters of Japanese electronic synthesis, formed the band YMO in their 20s. Through the 70s, they absorbed avant-garde psychedelic music, evolving into electro-funk, and ultimately revolutionizing the Japanese music scene. "Time" merely left its mark on them, without binding their souls. What must they have been taking to create such magical symphonies? I believe it was an obsession called "love and freedom." This generation, born around the same time in the 1950s, bloomed the most rebellious flowers in the harshest era. The political climate, fraught with the love-hate relationship between post-WWII Japan and America, fueled public protests while simultaneously ushering in modernization and popular culture. Amidst this volatile push and pull, intellectual and artistic emotions soared. This chaotic society became a fertile ground for bold expression, and American culture, once an exotic bloom, transformed into a garden of "bunka fukugō" (cultural amalgamation) in Japan. This "Japanese American style" became a genre that not only changed Japan but also radiated back to the world. In today's 2025, we are still influenced by Japanese American style, evident in film, fashion, art, music, and literature. This time, "Sanma" narrows its focus, venturing to the outskirts of Tokyo, using Route 16, the artery of the "American Village," as a base to explore Fussa and immerse ourselves in the timeless spirit of the hippies and rebellion. Like any city facing its challenges, the thin wall between development and cultural preservation inevitably cracks with time. As American bases are dismantled and transformed across Japan, we don't know how long these relics will remain. Yet, their past existence will forever be preserved in culture. This issue delves into American culture, but also includes a map of Fukushima crafts. The people of the Northeast, who have bravely stood tall since the 311 earthquake, continue to exude confidence and courage. We also feature a mini-report on Tokyo's leather craftsmanship. The lifestyle choices we make today are the best selections for the next generation. I resonate with the words of Takashi Okura, a screen-printing designer based in Fussa, who was interviewed for this issue: "Now is the best time." This reminds me of Haruomi Hosono's statement in his documentary: "The key is freedom. Once you touch freedom, your heart naturally leaps with joy." It also echoes Ryuichi Sakamoto's final moments, still coaxing notes from his fingertips, which I believe is a reflex of his love for music. May you find your own reasons for love and freedom within this glittering galaxy.